Cemetery Information

Last updated July 2022

Our Cemetery

The cemetery at St. John’s dates back over 200 years. Construction of our Church began in 1818 and the first burial recorded in the cemetery was in 1825. The cemetery was consecrated in 1826.

In 1963 the cemetery was increased in size. The extension was consecrated in 1964.

Most of the older graves are found in the two areas listed above, and the headstones there largely reflect the design trends of those times. The last extension, located in the northeast corner by the bank, was added and consecrated in 1972. The headstones here reflect a more modern trend in design. We at St. John’s strive to maintain our cemetery in a way that reflects our history in all three areas of our cemetery. Therefore we have set out these guidelines.

Who may use the cemetery?

Although largely Anglican parishioners and their families are buried here, all faiths are welcome. However any funerals and/or burials in the churchyard must be attended by the Parish Priest or designate.

What it means to retain (own) a plot:

Purchasing a gravesite allows the use of that site for burial purposes. The land remains the property of the Church and no deed is issued. The Church Property Manager manages all plot purchases and the costs associated. At this time, if the purchaser wishes to arrange “Perpetual Care” for the upkeep of the plot, this is taken into consideration in the overall cost.

What is Perpetual Care?

Perpetual Care at St. John’s includes taking care of the grass on a regular basis and filling and seeding depressed sites as necessary. It does not include weeding, care of plants, flowers or the removal of ornamentation. As well, it does not include the care, maintenance, repair, or cleaning of the stones. The families’ plot owners may be contacted about these issues if the need arises.

Private donations towards upkeep of the cemetery are always welcome, especially when tree removal and general care not covered by plot purchases is needed (example: upkeep of historical iron fencing and plots of families long deceased from past centuries).

Cemetery Guidelines

St. John’s is a registered historic site with the Province of Nova Scotia. As a result, many tourists visit the church and cemetery for research, general interest and picture-taking. We endeavor to maintain the entire cemetery in a manner which reflects our heritage. To ensure that this continues, St. John’s Parish Council has approved the following with regards to acceptable ornamentation in the cemetery:

Plot holders are to personally arrange for the headstone. The local Funeral Homes and Memorial Companies in the area have been made aware of our cemetery guidelines, however the onus is on the purchaser to ensure they are followed.
It is permitted to have religious symbols engraved on the stone and if desired, up to one third of the stones’ surface may have a “personal” symbol. No stone shall be contoured as an image (ex. heart, vehicle, musical instrument) but cruciform stones are permitted. It is important to keep the sacredness of the site in mind. The intentions of the stone’s design should be discussed with the Parish Priest and/or Wardens BEFORE ordering it from the company producing the design if it lies outside of these parameters.
Cut flowers are permitted, but in a durable container that is not breakable. Broken glass is dangerous to the caretaker and others who may be visiting plots close by. Dead flowers are to be removed by the family in a timely manner.
Bulbs and transplants may be planted in front of the gravestone, but in a bed no wider or deeper than the stone itself. The use of invasive plants is not permitted as these may quickly invade the grassy area between plots. The family is responsible for removing spent plants.
Shrubs and ornamentals are not be planted without permission from the Church Property Manager beforehand as some types can quickly overwhelm the plot and encroach upon other plots below and above ground.
The use of artificial flowers is not encouraged. These become faded and tattered over time, and tend to blow around the cemetery property.
Resin ornaments (example: angels, cherubs,) are not encouraged as they may deteriorate in the weather, and be displaced around the cemetery. If the family does wish to place these at the gravesite it is important that such ornaments be well secured, as close to the stone as possible, and of a “weather resistant” material.
Solar lights are not encouraged but if used, they must be durable in all kinds of weather and be secured as close to the stone as possible. String lights are not permitted.
The use of seasonal wreaths is permitted but they should be removed in a timely manner by the family, certainly by mid- April.

The Church has the right to remove any ornamentation
that does not meet the guidelines stated above.